Screening vs Mastectomy

Hi sweetie I was told I was BRCA2 positive two years ago I opted at first for screening but it really is not for me! I get too stressed and emotional the run up to the screening and worry constantly in between! I have opted for surgery however I am now in my 40s and have completed my family.

I do believe it is a personal choice and a hard one to make x however I do have a supportive family and NHS team round me which is also important.

Here to help in anyway I can!

N x

Hi N,

Thank you so much for getting back to me. Yes, I can imagine the emotional strain of waiting for results could take its toll!

Gx

BRCA2 is an emotional rollercoaster ride. I am always here to assist if you need! X

I tested positive for brca1 have already got OvC and had surgery 18 months ago.  I opted for screening as they advised if anything occurred it would be caught in very early stages and could be treated without the possibility of chemo. I still wonder am I doing the right thing, as the possibility of having to deal with another cancer is daunting, but so is more extensive surgery! If I hadnt already got cancer I might have opted for the surgery. It's a hard decision.

Thank you for this.  I also have opted for screening and also take tamoxifen.  In February I had a recall from my annual mammogram.  However it was good news.  it remains a hard decision what ever you do.  Good luck and keep smiling.

I found out I had the gene 3 years ago, my sister also has it who is 5 years older than me. She had the surgery and recovered really well and I decided I wanted to wait until my kids were independent enough before i thought seriously about it. The last mri I was called back and that was the deciding factor and I didn’t want to take the risk. The scan was fine, but didn’t want to live in fear.

Ive now had the surgery and it’s taken 6-7 weeks before I’ve got back to ‘normal’ish’ and I wouldn’t regret it as I know I don’t have to worry about it going forward.